SWIMSUITS FOR EACH BODY TYPE
Two weeks ago, while waiting on the Malpensa airport for my flight to Naples, I head to the Calzedonia boutique in search of a bathing suit – few moments before arriving to the airport I remember I forgot to pack one in my suitcase. Not blown-away by the selection, I ask the sales assistant: “Could you recommend one for my body type?” She opens the drawer and pulls out more than a dozen of swimsuits having nothing but the brand in common. Push-up bras, monokinis, triangle tops, embellished, thick-banded bottoms, plunging necklines…The more she pulled out, the more I realized she showed me everything she had, not a personalized selection according to my request. If I’m the triangle bra type, then what’s that underwired top doing there? Though I didn’t believe it could be possible, she actually managed to increase my confusion. Ultimately, I chose one from the pile, asked for my measures and took it, regardless my body type. Not willing to experience the same situation ever again – big surprise, the swimsuit’s top doesn’t fit – I did a little research on the different body types and the swimsuits each of us should be going for. Mixing research with a bit of shopping-passion, I also selected five new-season swimsuits, according to each of the main five body types.
THE PEAR SHAPE
Characterized by a defined waist, full hips & tights and a significantly smaller top, your goal is to balance your proportions, drawing the eye upward, while minimizing the bottom.
Opt for a skirted bottom teamed with a halter top, or for a deep v-neck one piece, showcasing a sexy upper body. You can also create the illusion of a fuller bust and narrow tights with a fringe top and low-waist bikini. An asymmetrical cut, emphasizing the upper body can also help highlight your beautiful shape.
THE HOURGLASS SHAPE
With defined bust and waist, neat hips and bottom, the sexy hourglass frames need to draw attention to the bottom part of their body – opt for underwired tops and thicker straps for more support, avoiding the padded ones who make your chest look even bigger. Stay away from horizontal stripes if you don’t want to pull attention to your wider areas.
THE INVERTED TRIANGLE SHAPE
Defined by a smaller bottom than the top, flat hips and straight & squared shoulders, you should opt for extra top support – swimsuits with underwired bra-style tops provide all the support you might need. If you don’t want to draw attention to your chest, avoid any type of embellishments.
THE COLUMN SHAPE
Lean shoulders, small bust and hips – also known as athletic, girls with this type of frame need to create of the illusion of a fuller figure. Experiment with different prints or embellishments that enhance your curves and go for tie-side bottoms to obtain perfect hips. Color-blocking and horizontal stripes can be also useful in creating the impression of curves.
THE APPLE SHAPE
Full around the middle, round shoulders and a smaller bottom, the apple shape’s main concern is to slim the waist, providing the impression of a defined figure. Take advantage of the retro trend and go for a high waisted swimsuit or a tankini to cover the area. A belted one-piece can also define your waist in the most elegant fashion.
THE SWIMSUITS:
THE PEAR SHAPE: FLAGPOLE SWIM, Celine color-block bikini/ NORMA KAMALI, Goddess bandeau bikini/ NORMA KAMALI, twister plunge swimsuit/ NORMA KAMALI, Diana draped one-shoulder bikini/ MIKOH, Waimea crocheted printed bikini
THE HOURGLASS SHAPE: DOLCE & GABBANA printed underwired swimsuit/ ZIMMERMAN, Essence printed halterneck bikini/HEIDI KLEIN, Pilat control halterneck swimsuit/ NORMA KAMALI, Bill Mio halterneck swimsuit/DOLCE & GABBANA, polka dot bikini
THE INVERTED TRIANGLE SHAPE: LISA MARIE FERNANDEZ, Elisa bodysuit/PUCCI, printed halterneck bikini/ BLUE MAN, stretch bikini set/ LENNY NIEMEYER, halterneck swimsuit/ BLUMARINE, floral print bikini
THE COLUMN SHAPE: BRIGITTE, bandeau bikini set/ LISA MARIE FERNANDEZ, ‘Arden’ flounce swimsuit/ MARA HOFFMAN, printed bikini/ MOSCHINO CHEAP & CHIC, zebra print one-piece bathingsuit/ BLUE MAN, stretch bandeau bikini set
THE APPLE SHAPE: TOPSHOP, tropical print bikini/ MARA HOFFMAN, Cutout printed swimsuit/ LISA MARIE FERNANDEZ, Poppy bandeau bikini/LISA MARIE FERNANDEZ, Dree Louise two-tone wrap swimsuit / TOPSHOP, mono floral tankini
